Gays in the Military

Senator Susan Collins joined President Barack Obama on the podium as he signed into law a bill allowing gays to serve openly in the military.Collins and Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut were sponsors in the senate of the bill to end the so-called “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy put into effect under President Clinton. Also on hand for today’s bill-signing ceremony was Maine Representative Chellie Pingree. The Senate voted Saturday to repeal the ban on openly gay service, following earlier action by the House.Following passage of the bill, Obama called Collins to thank her for her leadership on this issue.